Gon and Killua meet Tsezgerra.
Raphael led the boys through a series of hallways, the auction house being a little larger than he expected. At least when it came to finding the rooms where some of the bidders were tucked away from prying eyes. The man definitely wouldn't want to be disturbed, not after dropping more than 30 billion Jenny on a single copy of the game.
Finding Mr Battera's room would've been a little difficult, hadn't Tsezgerra informed him where they were staying.
Mr Battera was sitting down, Tsezgerra in the back leaning against the wall, smoking a cigar. That brand was definitely, worth a lot, but he understands he's being paid a lot to make sure the game is going to be completed.
The guards took one look at him, frowning somewhat, "No kids allowed back here, scram."
Raphael looked at the guards, realising none of them probably knew who he was. He crossed his arms, rather annoyed with the situation. Turning to the person he came to see, he said the one name that would make the guards think twice, "Tsezgerra, I've brought them here."
"I see that…" Tsezgerra blew out a small puff of smoke, "Although, from a glance, I can tell I'm not looking at much."
Raphael frowned at the news, "We made a deal, Tsezgerra." He knew he was coming off as entitled in this situation, but they did agree that he'd at least test the boys. Gon and Killua needed a way in the game, so securing a spot before the selection would be their best bet.
When the man's eyes narrowed slightly, Mr Battera held up a hand, "As you know, we can't let anyone join the group to complete the game. We have limited spots. You were one of the few players we made a rare exception to since your father not only asked us to give you a chance…" The man paused to draw in a hit of his cigar, barely reacting when he let out a small cloud of smoke, "Given his standing as a Pro Hunter and how skilled he is. He wanted to place a bet on you succeeding. You just needed a way to test your skills and prowess."
Mr Battera looked towards the other, gauging how even though he was looking down at them, he still held a hint of respect towards the teen. He doesn't know the inner workings of the Hunter community, but from what he knows about the teen through Tsezgerra's word of mouth, is that Raphael is skilled enough to solo a decent chunk of Greed Island, obtaining extra cards needed to complete the game "From what I've heard from Tsezgerra, you show great promise."
"Why thank you…" Raphael offers the tycoon a gentle smile, "However I'm not bringing along some nobodies to apply. One is a Pro Hunter…" He honestly couldn't be bothered trying to explain Gon was an Amateur hunter, plus it would be beneficial for the boy if he obfuscated the truth a little "But that isn't the only reason I'm bringing them along." The teen directed the man's attention to Gon, "He has a memory card and a ring."
"Seriously…?" Tsezgerra and Mr Battera looked at the boy in disbelief. The younger man of the two found himself smirking a little at the idea, "Alright, that changes a few things." Pulling the cigar from his mouth, Tsezgerra looked down at the two boys, "Let's cut to the chase. Show me your Ren."
The two boys giddy from the news, offered a huge nod. They agreed to the terms, now being led further into the room.
Raphael did seem to have their best interest at heart, but it was clear he was hiding a few details not only from the two men but from them as well.
Tucked away in a corner, Raphael stood next to Tsezgerra.
Raphael was expecting them to show off a Hatsu, given that it would give them a better chance to land a position, so he was a little disappointed when they showed off their Ren. But the biggest problem was its strength.
They're strong, he can tell that much…
From the flow to the expanse of its range, how it eclipsed their body, showing off a range of strength that would give a few of the people he fought a run for their money. The problem was… they would technically be on par with someone like Asta or Kazsule. Their chances weren't looking too good.
Looking down at the teen, Tsezgerra frowned, "You know my answer…"
Raphael fumed, not because they were going to be rejected, but because he felt like he failed the boys to some degree. They weren't strong, but given half the players that have been hired already, they stood a better chance in his opinion.
"Given some of the people who you've already hired, I can understand your response to their lacklustre strength."
"Huh?!" Killua raised his voice, annoyed that it was Raphael judging them, even though clearly, Tsezgerra was the one that incited the reaction "What's wrong with our current strength?"
"Let me put it this way…" Tsezgerra stopped the teen from saying anything, given that he'd be putting it lightly, considering his initial response was lacklustre at best, "Letting the two of you play would be a waste of time. Even if I grant Raphael a special privilege to carry you through the game, that's two fewer spots I could've used to hire someone stronger, who wouldn't need to be carried."
"HOW WOULD YOU KNOW!" Gon objected, "We haven't even tried to play the game yet…"
Tsezgerra looked towards Raphael. He had high expectations, given how difficult the game has been for most players. For more than ten years the game has remained uncompleted, so, he needs people that can stand on their own legs, to conquer the impossible. He needs players that can obtain the last few cards that others have failed to capture "Show them the baseline of what I expect."
Raphael frowned. He was going to be used as a deterrent, a way to push the boys away from trying to force their way into the game. When he was tested, he showed off his Hatsu, the man knew his abilities.
But he's never been in a position where he was forced to show off his Ren. Drawing in a deep breath, he released his aura through Ren, "Fine…" Showing off his strength, aura raged around his body, the form eclipsed the boys' output. He didn't want to go overboard, given half the people that have already been hired wouldn't even begin to compete against his strength.
Also, the man did expect a baseline, not a barrier they needed to surpass to play Greed Island.
Tsezgerra frowned. He kinda expected more from the boy, but he was projecting the kind of baseline he was expecting. So, he'd let it go.
Goosebumps formed along Killua's skin. He hadn't expected Raphael to produce that range of strength, to invoke such a heavy presence without breaking a sweat. Raphael wasn't a normal Pro Hunter… he had a more, intense, possibly methodical form of training.
At least in terms of what they experienced at Heaven's Arena…
He was right to suspect Raphael was hiding a chunk of his strength… but seeing this range, he suspected he may be even stronger than he was letting on. The guy definitely, has a Hatsu… there's no way someone would train in the basics for this long without dabbling in some kind of Hatsu.
Killua guaranteed it; that might be the very edge they need to surpass the test, not just Ren. But he can't say that… not while within earshot of Tsezgerra and Raphael. That would give away the very fact they were severely underpowered in comparison.
Sure, they beat Gido, Riehlvelt and Sadaso, all of whom had a Hatsu, but again… they relied on their ability to take down rookies, not those with intense training and a well-thought-out plan.
"Wow…" Gon was enamoured, drawn to the teen's strength. He was impressed, rather than annoyed with the situation. Raphael was definitely, strong. Rather than feeling rejected, and outright underpowered… seeing his strength awakened Gon's more competitive side.
He wanted to beat the baseline…
"So, if we beat that, then you'll let us in?"
Reining in his Ren, Raphael found himself unable to stop smiling. He was glad that was their reaction, rather than feeling dejected at the possibility of failing to meet such a minimal baseline. He knows that they aren't that far off it, but he doesn't know exactly how long they have to meet the deadline.
Given the situation and how many copies remain, probably until the last day of the auction…
Rather than taking in the boy's eagerness to beat the other's strength, Tsezgerra found himself frowning, "I highly doubt it…" When the boys got agitated, the man sighed. He can't believe he'll have to explain it. Raphael should've already said as much before introducing them to him.
Even if they were to beat Raphael, other conditions had to be met, "You could've at least explained some things to them."
"I'm under contract… I didn't want to break any possible rules."
"Fair…" Turning to face the two boys, the man explained, "Our biggest concern is players who'd possibly drag out the inevitable. As long as a player is alive inside the game, you can't reset or remove the memory card. In other words, you can't send in new players."
Raphael's eyes narrow. If the boys can beat his baseline, they wouldn't be a waste of resources. What he presented, was a decent fraction, if not half of the current player base, who were taking on quests and obtaining cards.
They weren't going to be wasted resources. Still, he should probably listen and not judge his boss while he was laying into Gon and Killua, at least, not until he has a legitimate reason to overstep his client's contract.
Battera gave a nod, "I've already hired around one hundred players, both Pro and Amateur Hunters to play this game. Well over half of them have already given up."
"What do you mean…" Gon asked out of curiosity. What exactly did the man mean by giving up on the game? Were they stuck in there… unable to continue playing?
"They've given up on returning to the real world, rather choosing to live inside the game. That's why I must be careful when selecting players."
Raphael doesn't like the idea of Tsezgerra or Mr Battera putting down the boys. They needed to get in the game and even if they didn't plan on beating it, they had a legitimate reason to get inside the game. After all, they already have a memory card and ring… and he wanted to know what was on it.
Even if there were no cards on it, it may have something else that's just as important. Besides a possible link to Ging's whereabouts, it may have data on other card locations, secret ones that the other players wouldn't be privy to.
So, he decided to be a little loose with his tongue. The teen stuck up his hand, objecting to their immediate rejection. He'd need to put up a fight, to prove they were worth more than just a wasted slot.
If they wanted space… he knew what to do "If that's the case, why not aim for #086, Quiver of Frustration?"
"Hmm…?"
Raphael held out a finger, "If they've given up surely, you've collected data on them, faces and whatnot. I can try to search for the card, make a couple of copies and hunt down the players and force them to use Leave."
Mr Battera looked towards the man for confirmation.
Tsezgerra gave a nod, "It may work for some of them, but not all. Out of the half, I believe around twenty of them would remain, opting to stay in the game until someone manages to collect a majority of the cards. Then, they'll possibly try to charge after the player as a mob to steal every card."
Raphael took in the information, "Twenty, huh… So, the person with the most cards will most likely have to be strong enough to take all of those people on, unsure if some hiding within the stack is stronger than them in terms of strength."
"Precisely…"
Raphael didn't like those odds, but thirty empty slots would be better than nothing. Thirty free slots, at the cost of two, was better than what they were offering. He'd definitely, try to aim for that card next, try to get some of the players to forcibly leave the game and make room for other more competent players.
Sure, that meant more competition against him… but he'd rather that, than let this opportunity slip through his grasp "I'll look into it for you. See if it's a card that's easily obtained and not hidden behind a timed event."
Gon openly stared at the teen, "You must know a lot about the game."
"Well, besides being a player… yeah. My main job is to gather intel and if possible, cards."
Tsezgerra agreed with the teen, "He's been doing a good job at it… which is why I'm concerned about trying to take on more people who aren't strong. I've played this game long enough to know that you're not strong enough to play the game. Sure, some cards are difficult to obtain, but out of the easiest ones…" Tsezgerra grinned widely, "You're not even strong enough to obtain those. In fact, unless Raphael does manage to carry you, it'll be game over in no time."
The man brought his arms to his hips, continuing to smile "Once the screening is done, I'm returning to the game. You'll have a second chance on the last day of the auction and if you don't pass that test… I'm not going to allow you inside the game. So, I suggest you start working on your Nen."
We'll see about that… Raphael kept his features neutral. If they failed even the screening, he'd make damn sure they'd still be picked. He'd even bribe Tsezgerra if he has to. After all, he does have the rarest card on him right now, the one hidden behind a heavy resource consumer.
Gon let out a small huff, "I don't need to be told that!" He grabbed his friend's hand, leading him out of the room, "Let's go, Killua!"
The two boys left, Raphael still standing there… wondering if they had forgotten about him, or was Gon just so angry about the situation, it clouded his judgement.
Tsezgerra turned to the other, "Exactly how did they come by a memory card?"
Raphael shrugged, not because he didn't know. He just wanted to keep the information hidden. He didn't know how Tsezgerra would react to Gon having the memory card and ring, because it was somehow linked to information about Ging Freecss.
For all he knew, that could be Ging's memory card and ring.
Still, saying anything on the matter wasn't his story to tell… it was Gon's.
But given what he does know, he may as well make up a small fib about the card itself. Something that would sound believable, "Given how long ago I found out about its existence, there's no way any cards remain on it…" The teen shifted his posture, "But we both know enough about save files to know that it may have useful data on it. I'm hedging a bet that something even better is on that card."
"Like what…?" Tsezgerra raised a curious eyebrow.
"Dunno, maybe a hint to some hidden cards which is not listed. Possibly ideas on how to gather all the cards?"
"Like an in-built Analysis. What makes you believe that?"
"It's a hunch…" The teen's eyes lingered on the door. After Gon had left in a hurry with Killua, kind of forgetting about him, he expected the boy to eventually peek back through that door.
He was hoping they would call for him to follow them. But neither of them did come back, so they must be so upset about the situation, Raphael's presence was completely forgotten about "A hunch I want to believe."
He left after that, heading straight towards the door. He didn't care about the man's reaction all he cared about is wanting to apologize for how his original plan failed.
"~"
Gon and Killua's eyebrows furrowed, absolutely irritated by their current situation.
"Damn, it… I'm mad." Killua let out an infuriated huff, Gon followed his friend's argument with the same sentiment, "We absolutely must pass their screening!"
Even after all that hard work, Raphael went through to get them that spot, the man degraded their skills and talents. All at once, it hit them. Gon was the first to stop, turning back to the room, "We left Raphael behind."
"Huh?" Killua froze, what anger he had was replaced by confusion. Sure, Raphael got them that chance, but they were outright rejected. Why would Raphael even care about what happens to them next?
Sure, he did fight a couple of times, even bringing up arguments on why they should be given a chance to join the game, but those were ideas and arguments, not exactly perfect reasons to let them join. Tsezgerra didn't relent, not even when he was offered a way to purge other players wasting memory card slots.
Even if that were to happen, at least to that man and Raphael's projected strength, they weren't strong enough to play the game…
"Raphael promised to tell us more about the game if we hadn't passed the test."
"Wait, when did he promise us that?" It took Killua far too long to remember that tiny detail. Whether you pass or not, I promise to tell you what I can. That was Raphael's promise to them.
Right on cue, the door opened. Raphael jogged towards them, "You left me for dead back there."
"We weren't exactly happy with the outcome…" Killua's frustration was etched into his words, accidentally sounding like he was laying the blame entirely on the guy that was trying to help them. It was none of Raphael's fault this all happened.
It was entirely Tsezgerra's fault for pissing them off.
"So, what happens now…" Gon asked out of curiosity for the teen's answer. What was he expecting of them now, knowing that they hadn't passed the hidden screening?
"Well… I expect you to beat the next screening."
When the boys stared at him, shocked, the teen-only crossed his arms, "Sure, I called your strength lacklustre, but given half the players I've encountered… you'd have a better chance of beating the game than they do. I expect great things from you…"
The teen's expression twisted slightly, smiling in a matter that gave away his hidden agenda "I expect you to land a position within the game and if you don't… I plan on finding a way to get you in that damn game."
Offering a smile at the two, he continued, "I plan on keeping that promise to you. The offer to carry you, at least for the start of the game. That is why I'm going to offer my services. I can assist-"
"Nah, it's fine…" The teen's expression fell when Killua objected, "We already have a Nen Master, Wing-San." Plus, he already had a plan on how to pass, he just didn't plan on saying anything to Raphael, at least not until they had a legitimate reason to do so.
Gon agreed. Even though they've both seen how powerful Raphael is, they'd rather go to Wing for assistance, than the teen standing before them.
Even though he was disappointed, Raphael understood the situation. They'd rather put their trust in someone they've been formally trained by. Still, he kind of expects Wing to push them a little, to get them to think about the situation, "Then I'll only offer you a small piece of information… the next time he asks for Ren, showing him more than that. Make him regret turning you down the first time…"
The two agreed to the terms.
It wasn't much to go on, but Killua already figured out what the other was expecting them to do. Both he and Raphael thought of the same thing, a Hatsu… it's just the teen hadn't outright stated it.
The boy already had a plan in motion, a way to push Gon in the right direction. It was all a matter of getting his friend on the right path.
Raphael redirected the conversation, "Other than that, I did promise I'll show you the ropes around the place to learn about its hidden treasures."
Killua opened his mouth, ready to object to that part of the deal too. Their goals might not align, given that they had no idea what was on Gon's memory card. It may push them away from Raphael's entire goal.
Gon, however, quickly interrupted his friend's thoughts, "Please do! I want to be shown around the place, to see what Greed Island has to offer."
Killua's expression dropped. He guesses if what's on the card is counterproductive to the deal being offered, he'd try to push Gon to continue with the clue left behind on the memory card.
But given what's happened to them so far, a detour is bound to happen.
Raphael found himself smiling at the request, "I plan to… I guess since I'm not needed for you to conquer Tsezgerra's screening, I'll be returning to the game to wait for you. I expect great things… but more importantly, I hope we can become friends during this-"
As Raphael offered to shake the boy's hands, to finish his request, Gon blurted out something he hadn't expected.
"I thought we were already friends?"
It took a little longer than a second for Raphael to realise what was stated. Since when was that the case? Surely making friends wasn't that easy… he would have a far easier time making friends if that was the case. He was utterly stunned by the fact, "What…?"
"We're already friends Raphael, so I don't understand why you would want to be friends."
"I'm so confused…"
"Don't bother. That's how Gon works…" Killua went on to explain, "Considering what you've done for us so far, the fact you went out of your way to assist us with no requests of your own, other than to get a position within the game. He considers those like yourself, to be his friends."
"Huh…" The teen continued to stare dumbfounded at the two, "Wait, what about you?"
"I'll consider you a friend of a friend." Killua argued, "Nothing more if I were, to be honest."
Gon swung an arm around his friend's shoulder, "Killua already considers you a friend."
"No!" Killua flushed red from the accusation. Gon was trying to make it seem like the two of them were very close friends, when in fact all Killua saw of Raphael, was him being a valuable ally, someone who was willing to help them.
It's not that he distrusts Raphael or would never consider them a friend, it's just that it takes a little longer for him to really, consider anyone a friend, "If we do get along, I'd consider you a friend too."
"Huh…" Raphael remained quiet, letting the words sink in for a little while, "I'll remember that. Then, friendship aside, I'll show you around the game once you get inside. I'll keep a close eye on the entrance, waiting for the first person to enter. Good luck you two…"
"Thanks!" Gon waved as the teen left, now smiling from the situation. They have a tour guide for Greed Island. But first… they have to prove Tsezgerra wrong.
A/N: Leave a review, it helps inspire me.
